The Italian vehicle tyre manufacturer, Pirelli, has released its annual calendar which traditionally centres on the artfully lit nude bodies of female supermodels. The 2016 edition has been unveiled, presenting a dramatic shift in subject matter and aesthetic.
We won’t find the usual gym-toned limbs and heaving bosoms, in their place for the 2016 calendar, shot by Annie Leibovitz, are simple portraits of women of various sizes, ages and ethnicities chosen for their “professional, social, cultural, sporting and artistic accomplishment”.
During its 50-odd years of production, Pirelli has worked hard to cultivate a sense of artiness and exclusivity around the images. In its hard copy form the calendar is only sent out to a select and secret few, although the images circulate widely on the internet.
Of the models in the calendar two of the, Comedian Amy Schumer and Tennis Star Serena Williams chose to appear nude in their photos and their portraits were captured in a natural and effortless style by Ace Photgrapher, Annie Leibovitz.
Models for this edition include: Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, Fran Lebowitz, Tavi Gevinson, Yao Chen, Shirin Neshat, Mellody Hobson, Ava DuVernay, and Agnes Gund.
Check out the Behind the Scenes video by Annie Leibovitz here:
Photo Credit: Anne Leibovitz
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